Sales-tax decision has tremendous downside

Leonard Pullicino

Friday

May 17, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 17, 2013 at 7:56 PM

I have read articles, letters and responses from citizens and the mayor and listened to comments from several other persons concerning the change in the sales-tax distribution formula and have come to believe that the three Onslow County commissioners acted irresponsibly, cowardly and not in the best interest of the entire county.

To the editor:

I have read articles, letters and responses from citizens and the mayor and listened to comments from several other persons concerning the change in the sales-tax distribution formula and have come to believe that the three Onslow County commissioners acted irresponsibly, cowardly and not in the best interest of the entire county.

That being said, I feel that the economic impact from the actions that the Jacksonville City Council may have to take to make up for the shortfall of $2 million for the 2013-2014 budget, as well as the loss of an additional $400,000 for 2012-2013 as the distribution goes into effect July 2013, will cause difficulty for all of the citizens.

The residents of Jacksonville will see a loss of disposable income in the form of higher property taxes, user fees for some city services and the possibility of some new fees for services not previously charged. County residents may be affected, as well as businesses, which will most certainly have to raise prices to make up for the increases. The increase in prices will most certainly result in reduced spending, as well as a reduction in sales-tax revenue that could have long-lasting implications.

All citizens should remember that a school bond referendum looms that could result in an increase in county taxes as well as a property revaluation in 2015. All of these actions could result in a reduction of spending by all residents and, therefore, sales tax revenue. I for one will remember these facts when I vote in the next election and would urge all residents to do the same.

Leonard Pullicino

Jacksonville

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